Golf course monitoring system and method

ABSTRACT

A golf course monitoring system and method of monitoring a golf course is disclosed. The system comprises a display unit comprising a display, a wireless signal receiver coupled to the display and a photovoltaic power source configured to provide power to the display and the receiver; and a camera unit comprising a camera, a wireless signal transmitter coupled to the camera and a photovoltaic cell for providing power to the camera and the transmitter. The transmitter is configured to transmit a wireless signal from the camera representative of a visual status of a portion of a golf course to the receiver to be displayed on the display

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a golf course monitoring system. Thepresent invention more specifically relates to a golf course monitoringsystem including a display unit and a camera unit to assist golfers tosee non-viewable areas of the golf course.

On typical golf courses, there are many instances where a golfer cannotsee areas where his or her golf ball is likely to land. Such “blindspots” may be caused by the layout or contour of the course, trees,shrubs, hills, buildings, or other obstacles. As such, golfers willsometimes hit when they believe the area should be clear withoutverifying that it is. However, such a result is not safe and pooretiquette—very undesired activities to other golf course operators andother golfers. The prudent golfer advances (walks, rides cart) up thegolf hole to inspect the blind spot to see whether it is safe to hit,returns to the location of his or her ball when it is safe to hit, andthen hits. Such activity slows down play—an undesired result to mostgolf course operators—and is not infallible since a person could havemoved into the blind spot area during the time that the golfer wasreturning to his or her ball.

Typical golf courses also have several holes where important variablesare not visible from a possible or likely hitting location such as atee-box or other location. For example, pin placement is typically moveddaily or every few days. If the pin placement is not visible from atypical hitting location, many golfers will advance up the hole, inspectthe green, and then return to his or her ball and then hit. However,such conduct also slows down play.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a system for monitoringor viewing portions of a golf course such as fairways, greens, or pinplacements that are not viewable from where a golfer will hit from. Itwould also be advantageous to provide a system that provides picture orvideo images on a stationary display unit, on a display mounted in agolf cart, on a hand-held device, or the like. It would be desirable toprovide for a golf course visual monitoring system having one or more ofthese or other advantageous features.

To provide an inexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptable golf coursemonitoring system that avoids the above-referenced and other problemswould represent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a method of monitoring an area of agolf course. The method comprises providing a display unit at a locationon the golf course where a first golfer is likely to hit from. Thedisplay unit comprising a display, a wireless signal receiver, a switch,and a first photovoltaic power source. The method further comprisespowering the display and receiver with the first photovoltaic powersource and providing a camera unit directed at an area of the golfcourse not visible to the golfer located in the likely hitting location.The camera unit comprising a camera, a wireless signal transmitter, anda second photovoltaic power source. The method further comprisespowering the camera and transmitter with the second photovoltaic powersource; transmitting wireless signals received from the camera to thereceiver; the golfer activating the display by operating a switch;displaying an image on the display of the area not visible to thegolfer.

The present invention also relates to a golf course monitoring systemcomprising a display unit comprising a display, a wireless signalreceiver coupled to the display and a photovoltaic power sourceconfigured to provide power to the display and the receiver; and acamera unit comprising a camera, a wireless signal transmitter coupledto the camera and a photovoltaic cell for providing power to the cameraand the transmitter. The transmitter is configured to transmit awireless signal from the camera representative of a visual status of aportion of a golf course to the receiver to be displayed on the display.

The present invention further relates to a golf course monitoring systemcomprising a display unit and a camera unit. The display unit comprisesa display, a wireless signal receiver coupled to the display, a switchconfigured to turn the display on, a timer configured to turn thedisplay off after a predetermined amount of time after actuation of theswitch, and a photovoltaic power source configured to provide power tothe display and the receiver. The camera unit comprises a camera, awireless signal transmitter coupled to the camera and a photovoltaiccell for providing power to the camera and the transmitter. Thetransmitter transmits a wireless signal from the camera representativeof a visual status of a portion of a golf course to the receiver to bedisplayed on the display.

The present invention further relates to various features andcombinations of features shown and described in the disclosedembodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of thedisclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in thefollowing specification or will become apparent to those skilled in theart after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemedto fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fallwithin the scope of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a display unit for a golf course monitoring system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the display unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a camera unit for the golf course monitoring system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the camera unit of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5-7 are schematic views of exemplary applications of the golfcourse monitoring system.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic illustrations of potential applications forthe monitoring system.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method of monitoring a golf courseaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 3 show a golf course monitoring system 10 according to apreferred embodiment. Golf course monitoring system 10 includes adisplay unit 12 configured to display a visual status of an area (e.g.,region, etc.) of a golf course “visual status” based on wireless signalsreceived from a camera unit 14. According to exemplary embodiments,“visual status” and “area” on a golf course may be any of a variety oflocations, conditions, or the like on the golf course. For example, thevisual status may be a real-time or prior still image of the portion ofthe golf course. The visual status may also be a real-time or priorvideo image of the portion of the golf course. The visual status mayalso be an image of a green, blind area, predetermined distance, orcombination thereof. Visual status may also be an indicator or alarmthat associated with certain conditions such as clear, no movement, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, display unit 12 includes a display 16, a wirelesssignal receiver 18 coupled to display 16, a switch 26, and aphotovoltaic power source (shown as photovoltaic system 22).

Display 16 is configured to display an image or other informationindicative or representative of a particular area of the golf course.Display 16 may be any of a variety of commercially available monitors orclosed-circuit televisions that display color or black and white(monochrome) images (e.g., NTSF analog monitor digital, etc.). Accordingto a particularly preferred embodiment, the display is model numberSR06401PS3-FDR commercially available from Peter Parts of Ontario, N.Y.

According to an exemplary embodiment, display 16 may be used to provideinformation content to golfers. Information content may be images,sound, and/or video containing advertisement, golf course information(e.g. suggested strategy, menu, etc.), weather advisories, messages,announcements, or other information or combinations thereof. Suchinformation content may be displayed periodically or cycle throughcontinuously, and be interrupted to display the image on the display ofthe area not visible to the golfer when the golfer activates the switch26.

Receiver 18 is configured to receive and convert wireless video signalsreceived from camera unit 14. The wireless signals are processed anddisplayed on display 16. According to a preferred embodiment, receiver16 is a radio frequency (RF) modulated video receiver MHZ/GHZ. Accordingto a particularly preferred embodiment, the receiver is model numberCV-97 commercially available from Nutex of Taiwan.

Switch 26 is operated by the user and configured to turn on display 16.According to a preferred embodiment, switch 26 is a normally open,push-button. Alternatively, the switch may be a dial, toggle, or any ofa variety of user interfaces. A timer 28 is coupled to switch 26 and isconfigured to turn display 16 off after a predetermined amount of timeafter actuation of switch 26. According to a preferred embodiment, oneor more fuses are used to protect video/audio receiver 18 and display 16from damage due incorrect amount of current flow.

Display unit 12 may be located at any of a variety of locations on agolf course, such as a location where golfers typically hit from (e.g.,near one of a tee-box, a blind spot, at a “dog-leg”, etc.). Housing 40includes a box or case, a door hingedly coupled to box, and a lock tosecure door in the closed position. According to an exemplaryembodiment, display unit 12 is mounted on a stationary support structureshown as a post 32 to provide structural support to display unit 12.Alternatively, display unit 12 may be mounted on any of a variety ofstructures, members, posts, etc. According to other embodiment, displayunit 12 is mounted on a golf cart 34 (as shown in FIG. 8), carried as ahand held device 36 such as by a golfer or mounted to a pull-cart (asshown in FIG. 9), or the like.

A housing 40 is provided to enclose display 16 and other components ofphotovoltaic system, switch, etc. to protect the components from theenvironment or other damage. Display unit 12 may also include an audioplayer/recorder 41, a speaker 42 located in housing 40 and configured toallow communication across the wireless connection, to produce aprerecorded sound at certain visual status points, and/or play audio(e.g., messages, announcements, tutorial, etc.). The prerecorded audiomaybe an alarm or other message or announcement (e.g., “wait”, “stormsapproaching”, etc.) transmitted from another display unit 12, one ormore camera units 14, or from the club house (e.g., for a weatheradvisory). According to alternative embodiments, display unit 12 mayalso include a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wirelesssignal received from the camera unit to a relay unit or other receiver.Inside housing 40, a terminal strip may be provided to connect allworking electronic components.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the displayunit 12 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a display unit circuit 102comprises the photovoltaic system 22, battery 58, charge controller 104,timer 28, switch 26, fuses 106, receiver 18, and display 16. Chargecontroller 104 is configured to receive energy from photovoltaic system22 and battery 58, and provide power to the other components through thetimer 28 and switch 26. Fuses 106 are in-line between the power sourceand the receiver 18 and display 16 and are configured to provide powersurge protection to the receiver and display. The receiver 18 isconfigured to provide signals, such as composite video signals, todisplay 66. When the switch 26 is activated, power is provided to thereceiver 18 and display 16 and then shut off by the timer 28 after apreset or predetermined amount of time.

Referring to FIG. 3, camera unit 14 includes a camera 50, a wirelesssignal transmitter 52 coupled to camera 50, and a photovoltaic system54. Camera unit 14 also includes a structural support member shown as apost 56. Post 56 provides structural support to the components of cameraunit 14.

According to a preferred embodiment, camera 50 is a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera. Camera 50 may provide a monochrome (black andwhite) or color image as an analog or digital signal. According to anexemplary embodiment, camera 50 is a fixed or stationary mounting.Alternatively, the camera may be configures to be movable or adjustableto provide pan, tilt, zoom, or the like by the user, the clubhouse, orduring set up. Remote control of such movement would further include areceiver (similar to receiver 18) configured to receive wireless signalsfrom display unit 12 or other locations. According to yet otherembodiments, the entire camera unit may be configured for mobility—i.e.,to be periodically moved on the golf course. A microphone may beprovided where camera unit is also configured for transmission of audiosignals. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the camera ismodel number ISC-8124SH commercially available from Intellicam of WestChester, Ohio.

Transmitter 52 is configured to receive a signal from camera 50 and sendwireless video and/or audio signals to receiver 18. According to apreferred embodiment, transmitter 52 is an RF modulated transmitter.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the transmitter ismodel number CV-97 commercially available from Nutex of Taiwan.According to an exemplary embodiment, transmission of the wirelesssignal is Internet Protocol (IP) based so that it could be viewed by aweb browser. The transmission may also be encrypted or be transmitted atparticular frequencies to prevent unintended viewing or when multiplesystems 10 are used in close proximity. In exemplary embodiments, therange of the wireless signal is approximately 1000 feet line of sight.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the camera unit14 of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, a camera unit circuit 110 comprises aphotovoltaic system 54, battery 61, charge controller 112, a switch(shown as a solid state relay 114), a switch 116, fuses 118, transmitter52, and camera 50. The charge controller 112 is configured to receiveenergy from the photovoltaic system 54 and battery 61, and provide theconditioned power to the other components. The relay 114 is configuredto sense a minimal level of power being provided by the photovoltaicsystem 54 (e.g., during daylight hours) and close the circuit 110. Theswitch 116 is internal to the camera unit 110 and provided to turncamera unit 114 off during inspection, service, or maintenance. Fuses118 are configured to provide power surge protection to the transmitter52 and camera 50. The transmitter 52 is configured to receive a signal(composite video signal) from the camera 50. The signal is transmitted,preferably at 2.4 Ghz.

Referring to FIG. 6, camera unit 14 may also include a sensor unit 82configured to monitor a defined sensing region (an area adequatelyproximate to where a golfer is likely to be positioned) for the presenceof a person (e.g., golf course employee, a passer-by, etc.). Sensor 82may be any of a variety of sensors such as infrared, capacitive, motiondetector, or the like.

Photovoltaic systems 22 and 54 are capable of converting light energy toelectrical energy (e.g., “solar”). Photovoltaic system 22 is configuredto provide power to display 16 and receiver 18 of display unit 12.Photovoltaic system 54 is configured to provide power to camera 50 andtransmitter 52 of camera unit 14. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3,photovoltaic systems 22, 54 are shown as including one or morephotovoltaic cells 60 (such as an array of cells) mounted at the top ofsupport structures 32, 56. Preferably, photovoltaic cells 60 areprovided at an upper portion of support structure 32, 56 in an effort tomaximize the exposure of photovoltaic cells 60 to the ambient light.Photovoltaic cells 60 are electrically coupled to the electricalcomponents of display unit 12 and camera unit 14.

As shown in the figures, the preferred power source is provided byphotovoltaic cells 60. According to another exemplary embodiment,display unit 12 and/or camera unit 14 may comprises a battery 58 toprovide power to display 16 and/or receiver 18 and/or battery 61 toprovide power to a transmitter 52 and/or camera 50. Battery 58 may bepowered or charged (or recharged) from photovoltaic cells 60. Battery58, 61 may supplement the power being provided to display unit 12 and/orcamera unit 14. In such embodiments, battery 58, 61 may be usedconcurrently with or merely when there is not sufficient power beingprovided by photovoltaic cells 60 to operate display 16 or receiver 18(e.g., low light conditions, worn cells, etc.), camera 50, and/ortransmitter 52. According to an exemplary embodiment, battery 58, 61provides five days of power for typical use to display unit 12 or cameraunit 14. Alternatively, battery 58, 61 replaces photovoltaic cells 60and may be periodically recharged by being connected to a line power, orreplaced with another battery. A charge regulator 63 may be used to keepphotovoltaic system from damaging battery 58, 61. In yet anotheralternative embodiment, the display unit and/or the camera unit arepowered by line power.

During operation, transmitter 52 transmits a wireless signal from camera50 that is representative of the visual status (video, snap-shot, streamof video or snapshots, etc.) of a portion of a golf course. Receiver 18of display unit 12 receives the wireless signal and converts the signalinto an image to be displayed on display 16. The image may be displayedas “live” or “real time” which means virtually instantaneous to the timethe image occurred, or delayed. According to an alternative embodiment,transmitter 52 transmits a series of images taken over a predeterminedperiod of time by camera 50. If so equipped, the golfer may adjust theimage being seen (e.g., pan, tilt, zoom, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, golf course surveillance system 10may also include one or more remote monitoring units so that images fromthe golf course may be viewed at other holes, at the club house,on-line, or the like. Remote monitory units are similar to display unit12 and include a display 16 and a receiver 18 that receives the wirelesssignal from one or more or all of the camera unit 14 and displays thevideo status or records the video status for records or later viewing.

FIGS. 5-7 are schematic views of exemplary applications of the golfcourse monitoring system that provide improved safety, etiquette, andoverall awareness to golfers on a golf course. Use of golf course system10 are intended to prevent golfers having to walk or ride a cart aheadon a hole to check to see if it is safe to hit in the illustratedapplications. The illustrated applications are exemplary only and arenot intended to be interpreted to be the only applications of use of thesystem on a golf course.

Referring to FIG. 5, a golf course hole is shown with a dog-leg 62 andan obstruction 64 (e.g., trees, shrubs, hill, or other environment) thatcreates a blind-spot 66 (shown in broken lines) that is not viewablefrom a possible or likely hitting location 68 (e.g., place on coursethat it is typical to hit from such as a “lay up” location, a tee-box,etc.). The distance from hitting location 68 past the dog leg or to theblind spot 66 may be within range of a golfer 70 waiting to hit fromhitting location 68. Golfer 70 waiting to hit activates display unit 12to see images from camera unit 14 to know whether it is safe to hit.Upon use, golfer 70 would see golfer 72 and golfer 74 near the dog-leg62 and/or in blind spot 66 and wait to hit.

Referring to FIG. 6, a golf course hole 76 is shown as having a longdistance (e.g., a “par 5”) where distance from a hitting location (shownas a tee-box 78 in this embodiment) to various parts of hole 76 are notreadily known. Camera unit 14 on this hole 76 is positioned at a certaindistance from tee-box 78, such as at a distance where most golfers donot hit beyond and shown as line 79. A sign or other indicia on displayunit 12 may explain the range. A golfer 77 waiting to tee-off in tee-box78 may activate display unit 12 to see if all golfers 80 are beyond thecamera, and if golfer knows he or she does not hit beyond the statedrange, he or she know that it is safe to hit. According to analternative embodiment, sensor unit 82 may be provided in addition to orinstead of camera unit 14. Such sensor unit 82 includes a sensor (e.g.,motion detector, infrared, sound, etc.) that senses a region andtransmits the data to the display unit.

Referring to FIG. 7, a golf hole 84 where the green 86 is not viewablefrom a potential or likely hitting location, shown as tee-box 88, due toan obstacle 90 (e.g., trees, shrubs, hill, or other environment) thatcreates a blind-spot 92 that is not viewable from tee box 88. Thedistance from tee box 88 onto green 94 may be within range of a golfer96 waiting to hit from tee-box 88 (e.g., on a “par 3”). Golfer 96waiting to hit may activate display unit 12 to see images from cameraunit 14 to know whether it is safe to hit. Upon use, golfer 96 would seegolfer 98 on or near the green 94 and wait to hit. The pin placement 100is also not readily visible from tee-box 88. Golfer 96 could inspect thelocation of the pin placement 100 with display unit 12.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a method 120 of monitoring an area of agolf course. Method 120 includes providing a display unit at a locationon a golf course at a location on the golf course at a potential hittinglocation (step 122) and powering a display and a receiver with aphotovoltaic power source and/or battery (step 124). The method alsoincludes providing a camera unit directed at an area of the golf coursenot visible from the hitting location (step 126) and powering the cameraand transmitter with a photovoltaic power source and/or battery (step128). Wireless signals received from a camera are transmitted by thetransmitter (step 130) and received by the receiver (step 131).Information content (e.g., alarm, advertisement, golf courseinformation, weather advisory, messages, announcements, or combinationsthereof) is displayed on the display (step 132). If a switch (e.g., pushbutton) is activated/closed (step 134), the information content isinterrupted to display the image on the display of the area not visibleto the golfer (step 136). An image of the area not visible from thehitting location is then displayed on the display (step 138). If theunit is equipped, an audio message may be recorded and played uponactivation of the switch (step 140). The display/speaker is turned offafter a predetermined amount of time (step 142).

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the golf course visual monitoring system as shown in thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art whoreview this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materiallydeparting from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matterrecited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of the present invention as defined inthe appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or methodsteps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intendedto cover the structures described herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from thespirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.

1. A method of monitoring an area of a golf course comprising: providinga display unit at a location on the golf course where a first golfer islikely to hit from, the display unit comprising a display, a wirelesssignal receiver, a switch, and a first photovoltaic power source;powering the display and receiver with the first photovoltaic powersource; providing a camera unit directed at an area of the golf coursenot visible to the golfer located in the likely hitting location, thecamera unit comprising a camera, a wireless signal transmitter, and asecond photovoltaic power source; powering the camera and transmitterwith the second photovoltaic power source; transmitting wireless signalsreceived from the camera to the receiver; the golfer activating thedisplay by operating a switch; displaying an image on the display of thearea not visible to the golfer.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thedisplay unit further comprises a timer, and wherein the step ofdisplaying the image on the display further comprises turning off thedisplay after a predetermined amount of time set by the timer.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the display unit further comprises an audiorecorder and a speaker, and further comprising the step of recording anaudio message and playing the audio message upon activation of theswitch.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the display unit furthercomprises a battery, and the step of powering the display unit comprisespowering the display and receiver with the first photovoltaic powersource and/or the batter.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the area ofthe golf course is not visible to the golfer due to an obstacle locatedbetween the area and the golfer.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein thearea of the golf course is the pin placement.
 7. The method of claim 1further comprising displaying information content on the display.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 further comprising interrupting the informationcontent to display the image on the display of the area not visible tothe golfer.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the information contentcomprises one or more of an advertisement, golf course information,weather advisories, messages, announcements, or combinations thereof.10. A golf course monitoring system comprising: a display unitcomprising a display, a wireless signal receiver coupled to the displayand a photovoltaic power source configured to provide power to thedisplay and the receiver; a camera unit comprising a camera, a wirelesssignal transmitter coupled to the camera and a photovoltaic cell forproviding power to the camera and the transmitter; wherein thetransmitter transmits a wireless signal from the camera representativeof a visual status of a portion of a golf course to the receiver to bedisplayed on the display.
 11. The golf course monitoring system of claim10 wherein the visual status is a real time still image of the portionof the golf course.
 12. The golf course monitoring system of claim 10wherein the visual status is a real time video image of the portion ofthe golf course.
 13. The golf course monitoring system of claim 10wherein the visual status is an image of one of a green, blind area,predetermined distance, or combination thereof.
 14. The golf coursemonitoring system of claim 10 wherein the display unit further comprisesa battery configured to provide power to the display or the receiverwhen power from the photovoltaic cells is not sufficient to operate thedisplay or the receiver.
 15. The golf course monitoring system of claim10 wherein the camera unit further comprises a battery configured toprovide power to the display or the transmitter when power from thephotovoltaic cells is not sufficient to operate the display or thetransmitter.
 16. The golf course monitoring system of claim 10 whereinthe display unit further comprises a housing configured to enclose thedisplay and the receiver.
 17. The golf course monitoring system of claim10 wherein the camera is a video camera.
 18. The golf course monitoringsystem of claim 10 wherein the transmitter transmits a series of imagestaken over a predetermined period of time.
 19. The golf coursemonitoring system of claim 10 further comprising a relay unit comprisinga receiver, transmitter, and a photovoltaic cell configured to providepower to the transmitter and the receiver and configured to receive thewireless signal from the camera unit and transmit the signal wirelesslyto the display unit.
 20. The golf course monitoring system of claim 10wherein the display unit is located near one of a tee-box or a blindspot.
 21. The golf course monitoring system of claim 10 furthercomprising a remote monitoring unit comprising a display and a receiverwherein the receiver of the remote monitoring unit receives the wirelesssignal from the camera unit and displays the video status or records thevideo status.
 22. A golf course monitoring system comprising: a displayunit comprising: a display; a wireless signal receiver coupled to thedisplay; a switch configured to turn the display on; a timer configuredto turn the display off after a predetermined amount of time afteractuation of the switch; and a photovoltaic power source configured toprovide power to the display and the receiver; a camera unit comprisinga camera, a wireless signal transmitter coupled to the camera and aphotovoltaic cell for providing power to the camera and the transmitter;wherein the transmitter transmits a wireless signal from the camerarepresentative of a visual status of a portion of a golf course to thereceiver to be displayed on the display.
 23. The golf course monitoringsystem of claim 22 wherein the switch is a push button switch.
 24. Thegolf course monitoring system of claim 22 further comprising a firstsupport member to provide structural support to the display unit, and asecond support member to provide structural support to the camera unit.25. The golf course monitoring system of claim 22 wherein the displayunit and/or the camera unit further comprise a speaker configured toproduce a prerecorded sound.
 26. The golf course monitoring system ofclaim 25 wherein the prerecorded sound is one or more of an alarm,advertisement, golf course information, weather advisory, messages,announcements, or combinations thereof.
 27. The golf course monitoringsystem of claim 25 wherein prerecorded sound is transmitted from theclubhouse.
 28. The golf course monitoring system of claim 22 wherein thedisplay unit further comprises a wireless transmitter configured totransmit the wireless signal received from the camera unit.